Los Angeles daily herald., 1887-11-14

mechanics should know that no we'll
made lumber is allowed to retain its
sap when put to practical use.
Compare this murderous abuse of
our redwood with the care bestowed
upon the others, and you will wonder
no longer that its beauties have been
passed over; it being plenty, it was
made to be abused; it being a home
product, it was voted no good; it be-
ing cheap, and no import duties to
pay, of course then it could not be of
any value.
Now, gentlemen in the lumber bust
ness, treat it better; cut at the proper
season dry and season in the proper
manner; give it little care and atten-
ton, and it will we'll repay the trou-
enacted for its protection, at least
from vandals; and know that if we
stand first in the production OF the
precious metals, first in cereals, and
first in climate, we also stand first in
the most beautiful wood on the face
of mother earth-the largest, the
highest, and the most beautiful. But
even the most beautiful has been de-
stroyed through ignorance.
Now a word to the finishers or var
nishers who do not understand the
treatment of redwood. Would you
daub piece OF Danubian or, as it is
called French walnut, with oil? You
know you would ruin it, destroy its
grain and tints forever. Well, the
redwood requires the some care as
that, no more, and then you can pre-
serve its beauties for many, many
years. The following recipe is one at
least that preserves its color and tints
for years, for the truth of which | can
show anyone interested. Use as near
as may be the following proportions:
Take one quart spirits OF turpen-
tine; add one pound OF corn starch,
quarter OF a pound OF burnt sienna,
one tablespoonful of raw linseed oil.
ole tablespoonful brown iipan mix
thoroughly; apply with brush. Let
it stand say fifteen minu es; rub
off you can with fine shavings or soft
rag; then let It stand at least twenty
four hour , that it may SINK into and
harden the fibers Of the wood.
torty.eight hours is better. After
ward apply two coats of white
snellac; rub down we'll with
fine flint paper; then put on from two
to five coats OF best polishing varnish,
as the open ess of the grain requires;
after it is we'll Tried rub with water
and pumice-stone ground very fine;
stand day to dry after being washed
and wiped clean with channels leather
then rub with water and rotten stone;
wash as before; lay it one side to d y;
clean and rub - it'll olive oil until dry.
If you have been careful to
fill up all the pores perfectly
you have polished wood that
surpasses all Others if you have
not the pores or grains perfectly filled,
of course you must apply more rub
Ding with pumice-stone and more var
nishing until the object is attained;
and, friend, you would have to do the
same with any other wood. To add
weight to what is told in these few
lines, l would say that when such
architects and artists as Percy & Ham
ilton, VIM. +. Smith, and others, have
indolsed the redwood and its beauties
Tor years, and have worked wonders
in bringing it into notice, for man.
tells, wainscoting, doors, castings,
and other inside decorations not nee
essary to detail, gian in their profess
sions, they have used thei- beautiful
art in connection with their refined
taste to render our redwood where it
now stands, Excelsior" | have
sent, some twenty months ago, by the
ship San Clara, to New York, thence
by rail to Brattleboro, VT, to the
order OF Mr.. Brooks, enough to finish
two large rooms. This spring | have
made and shipped to New York, per
order of Mr.. Dewitt, mantels, desk
for library, door for brary, library
table, and all the casing for doors and
windows and other mouldings required
in library and bedroom. have sold
samples to every State in the Union,
aud feel confident that it is but a ques-
ton OF time when pianos, insi edeco-.
rations OF houses, banks, offices, etc.,
will be made of our glorious redwood.
Now, Mr.. Editor, have given you
jack-plane facts and hints; | have no
wish to be positive nor arbitrary.
There are many others who, if asked,
will add their testimony to the many
virtues of orr glorious redwood; and
if any should have doubt or a fear
upon the question, let him or
her come and indge for them
selves. will also give the fru-
gal. doubling tourist from the East
a piece at any time, that he may look
upon and admire, free, gratis, and
own up that we here are the most
blessed and forun people upon
earth, and first in all-gold, silver,
wheat and lumber
Some little time ago l was showing
a gentleman aud lady from the vi
cinity OF Buffalo, New York, some
specimens Of the beautiful wood,
when he said: Really, my friend,
taking your climate, your minerals,
your fruit, vegetables and cereals, and
this really wonderful wood, | must
own and regret that the Pilgrim
Fathers landed upon the wrong side
OF the continent."- Wood and Iron.